THE MANY LIVES OF…MANUEL GARCÍA RULFO (ENG)
THE MANY LIVES OF…
MANUEL GARCÍA RULFO
ISSUE THIRTY SIX
photography BENJO ARWAS starring MANUEL GARCÍA RULFO editor-in-chief STEPHANIE AROUESTY coordination ULISES GARCÍA interview NATALIE ROTERMAN art direction MARÍA JOSÉ AJA styling ORETTA CORBELLI with ZEGNA grooming COLLEEN DOMINIQUE prop stylist MARIANA ARROYO photography assistant TYLER GURD
For Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, the idea was always to be part of the wonderful world of cinema. Today, that world, which was once a refuge, is his daily life. And although Rulfo wasn’t seeking the spotlight—much less Hollywood’s—his talent, charisma, and hard work brought it upon him. The entire world is about to see Manuel, the first Mexican to join the Jurassic saga, escape dinosaurs while sharing the screen with actors of the caliber of Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey.
In this exclusive conversation with the Guadalajara-born actor, he discusses his journey, his favorite anecdotes and lessons learned, the evolution of his personal style alongside brands like ZEGNA, his beloved Pedro Páramo, and how fortunate he feels to be able to do what he loves and still grab some tacos in peace. This is Manuel Garcia-Rulfo.
L’BEAUTÉ HOMME: Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
MANUEL GARCÍA RULFO: Well, not that I wanted to be an actor, but the world of cinema always fascinated me. I spent my life watching movies, and I was really bad in school, so it felt like an escape. I don’t know if I wanted to be an actor as a profession, but it was something that captivated me from a young age.
LBH: And what did your family think you were going to be?
MGR: I come from a family of dentists—my grandfather was a dentist, my dad is a dentist—and since I’m the only boy, they probably thought I’d be one too. Also, at first, they weren’t too happy about me wanting to be an actor, but once I took them to my first premiere, they relaxed.
In this exclusive conversation with the Guadalajara-born actor, he discusses his journey, his favorite anecdotes and lessons learned, the evolution of his personal style alongside brands like ZEGNA, his beloved Pedro Páramo, and how fortunate he feels to be able to do what he loves and still grab some tacos in peace. This is Manuel Garcia-Rulfo.
L’BEAUTÉ HOMME: Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
MANUEL GARCÍA RULFO: Well, not that I wanted to be an actor, but the world of cinema always fascinated me. I spent my life watching movies, and I was really bad in school, so it felt like an escape. I don’t know if I wanted to be an actor as a profession, but it was something that captivated me from a young age.
LBH: And what did your family think you were going to be?
MGR: I come from a family of dentists—my grandfather was a dentist, my dad is a dentist—and since I’m the only boy, they probably thought I’d be one too. Also, at first, they weren’t too happy about me wanting to be an actor, but once I took them to my first premiere, they relaxed.
LBH: ¿What was the moment you said, “Wow, I’m an actor, I’m doing it”?
MGR: I think ever since I started doing my first plays, on stage, at school, where we’d put on little plays for homework or at the end of the year, I felt like I was on that path and I truly felt that excitement. Obviously, with each project you take on, the rush just gets bigger and bigger, right? Being able to say, “I made my first short film, now I’ve made my first movie, now I’ve worked with so-and-so”—it always grows, but the feeling is always the same. Suddenly, you’re in your first play with agents watching you and people paying to see you… it’s intense. It’s really cool.
LBH: ¿What was the moment you said, “Wow, I’m an actor, I’m doing it”?
MGR: I think ever since I started doing my first plays, on stage, at school, where we’d put on little plays for homework or at the end of the year, I felt like I was on that path and I truly felt that excitement. Obviously, with each project you take on, the rush just gets bigger and bigger, right? Being able to say, “I made my first short film, now I’ve made my first movie, now I’ve worked with so-and-so”—it always grows, but the feeling is always the same. Suddenly, you’re in your first play with agents watching you and people paying to see you… it’s intense. It’s really cool.
LBH: Do you remember any callbacks or auditions that were different from all the others?
MGR: Well, for example, the one I had with [director] Michael Bay; he called me and said, “Manuel?” and I replied, “Yes, who’s this?” “Michael Bay.” Of course, I thought it was a joke. He said, “I just want you to tell me one thing, am I making a mistake in giving you the role? (for 6 Underground).” I just thought he had the wrong number, I didn’t understand anything, but of course, I told him he wasn’t making a mistake, and they actually gave me the role, but it was super weird. I had done my audition, but those processes sometimes take weeks, so I never expected that call, especially not from him.
I also remember when I got the role in The Magnificent Seven, I was fed up and planning to go back to the ranch in Guadalajara that week. I said, “That’s it, I’m done.” And suddenly my agent called me and told me I had to fly to Louisiana because I got the part.
LBH: Do you remember any callbacks or auditions that were different from all the others?
MGR: Well, for example, the one I had with [director] Michael Bay; he called me and said, “Manuel?” and I replied, “Yes, who’s this?” “Michael Bay.” Of course, I thought it was a joke. He said, “I just want you to tell me one thing, am I making a mistake in giving you the role? (for 6 Underground).” I just thought he had the wrong number, I didn’t understand anything, but of course, I told him he wasn’t making a mistake, and they actually gave me the role, but it was super weird. I had done my audition, but those processes sometimes take weeks, so I never expected that call, especially not from him.
I also remember when I got the role in The Magnificent Seven, I was fed up and planning to go back to the ranch in Guadalajara that week. I said, “That’s it, I’m done.” And suddenly my agent called me and told me I had to fly to Louisiana because I got the part.
LBH: What would you say has been the most challenging role for you to prepare for?
MGR: More than just being challenging to prepare for, I think for Sicario, with Benicio del Toro, I really dove deep into researching, watching videos, and so on. I played a coyote, a drug trafficker, and I went to some very dark places. Honestly, it wasn’t necessary to immerse myself that much, especially with a subject that hits so close to home for us as Mexicans who live with that reality. It exhausted me to be in that headspace. There are still songs that pop up sometimes and bring back very tough memories.
LBH: What would you say has been the most challenging role for you to prepare for?
MGR: More than just being challenging to prepare for, I think for Sicario, with Benicio del Toro, I really dove deep into researching, watching videos, and so on. I played a coyote, a drug trafficker, and I went to some very dark places. Honestly, it wasn’t necessary to immerse myself that much, especially with a subject that hits so close to home for us as Mexicans who live with that reality. It exhausted me to be in that headspace. There are still songs that pop up sometimes and bring back very tough memories.
LBH: ¿How did you build Mickey Haller, your character in The Lincoln Lawyer, and what similarities do you share with him?
MGR: Well, the series is based on the second book. So, I approached it in my own way, especially relying heavily on what was in the novel, and having many discussions with the creators. I really wanted to explore who he was—his flaws, his virtues, and especially his vulnerable side; that’s what interested me most. As for similarities, I don’t think there are many. All my characters inevitably carry a bit of my essence, but while I’d love to have the talent, there’s no way I’d be a lawyer in real life. I do share some of his values, but our circumstances are far too different.
LBH: What has it been like working with a Mexican acting icon like Angélica María?
MGR: Angélica is incredible, truly. I’m so happy she’s in the series; she adds so much, not just because of the weight her name carries, but because of the caliber of actress she is and the way she brings a touch of comedy to it.
LBH: What did the Pedro Páramo project (a work written by Juan Rulfo, your grandfather’s nephew) mean to you, and how involved were you?
MGR: For me, it was an incredible, very, very special experience for many reasons you can imagine. Working with Rodrigo [Prieto] was spectacular, and we had such a great time. Working in Mexico with all these people, with the actors involved, everyone is just wonderful. In fact, the first meeting I had with Rodrigo was in London when he was doing Barbie, and the first thing he told me was, “My Manu, I want a Pedro Páramo that is human; I want to see the character’s vulnerability, and I want to see a sensitive person, not just some tough guy. These are the actions he takes, but I want to see the pain he carries.” And that worked out very well because in the novel, yes, you see him and imagine him as a scoundrel, but to see his pain; everything was very interesting.
The only thing I regret is having arrived at the project so exhausted. I had just finished The Lincoln Lawyer, and making a series is incredibly draining, emotionally and physically. When I finished, I thought, “Man, such a beautiful project, and I arrived with so much baggage that I couldn’t let go.” I realized it’s very important to finish a project and give yourself time to release it, and that’s the only thing that frustrated me at the end of those six months.
LBH: ¿How would you describe the experience of entering the Jurassic Park universe?
MGR: It’s a whole different beast; as an actor, you just go for it. Suddenly you’re acting, and someone in spandex walks out, or you have to follow a tennis ball that’s supposed to be the dinosaur. It’s really complicated; you’re acting into a black hole, but I hope the result turned out well. I got a lot of ideas watching many films of that genre. We had a scene with Scarlett [Johansson], Mahershala [Ali], and me, and afterward, we talked about how each of us imagined the dinosaur, and everyone’s vision was totally different, but it was a super cool experience.
LBH: ¿How would you describe the experience of entering the Jurassic Park universe?
MGR:It’s a whole different beast; as an actor, you just go for it. Suddenly you’re acting, and someone in spandex walks out, or you have to follow a tennis ball that’s supposed to be the dinosaur. It’s really complicated; you’re acting into a black hole, but I hope the result turned out well. I got a lot of ideas watching many films of that genre. We had a scene with Scarlett [Johansson], Mahershala [Ali], and me, and afterward, we talked about how each of us imagined the dinosaur, and everyone’s vision was totally different, but it was a super cool experience.
LBH: What was the most challenging moment or scene to film?
MGR: One of the most difficult scenes was when a T-Rex is chasing us, and we get into a canoe in some rapids. These are scenes where, besides acting out the fear of having a dinosaur behind you, you have to do all the physical stuff: running, swimming, being aware of the current, etc. It’s a lot of things. Plus, we filmed that scene in some rapids in London, and I injured my shoulder. Anyway… [laughs] hazards of the job.
LBH: What did making the film El Buen Salvaje mean to you?
MGR: From the bottom of my heart, I can tell you it’s one of the best films I’ve ever made, one of the most fun I’ve had doing, and one I’m most proud of. We made it during the pandemic when everything was closed. I talked to Santiago, the director, and asked him why we didn’t make a movie then, when there was nothing else to do. So, a bunch of friends came to the ranch, and we made it there. It’s a truly independent film, very intelligent, with a lot of depth, and very absurd. It’s a type of cinema I love to watch and love to make.
LBH: How do you feel about being recognized on the street?
MGR: Well, it’s good; it feels nice when people approach you and speak kindly about your work; I truly appreciate it. I think it depends on where you are, but I feel fortunate that it doesn’t happen all the time, and I can live my life. I know actors who can’t do anything; they go out, and people swarm them. So, I’m lucky that I can work in this and still do my own things. I’ve had experiences where it’s very intense, like at festivals or conventions, and it’s just too much.
LBH: What’s the weirdest encounter you’ve had with a fan?
MGR: The only somewhat strange one I had was when a guy approached me and asked me to kiss his wife [laughs]. And I was like, “You want me to kiss your wife?” And they both insisted, “Please…” but I didn’t accept. But generally, people are very nice.
LBH: What was the most challenging moment or scene to film?
MGR: One of the most difficult scenes was when a T-Rex is chasing us, and we get into a canoe in some rapids. These are scenes where, besides acting out the fear of having a dinosaur behind you, you have to do all the physical stuff: running, swimming, being aware of the current, etc. It’s a lot of things. Plus, we filmed that scene in some rapids in London, and I injured my shoulder. Anyway… [laughs] hazards of the job.
LBH: What did making the film El Buen Salvaje mean to you?
MGR: From the bottom of my heart, I can tell you it’s one of the best films I’ve ever made, one of the most fun I’ve had doing, and one I’m most proud of. We made it during the pandemic when everything was closed. I talked to Santiago, the director, and asked him why we didn’t make a movie then, when there was nothing else to do. So, a bunch of friends came to the ranch, and we made it there. It’s a truly independent film, very intelligent, with a lot of depth, and very absurd. It’s a type of cinema I love to watch and love to make.
LBH: How do you feel about being recognized on the street?
MGR: Well, it’s good; it feels nice when people approach you and speak kindly about your work; I truly appreciate it. I think it depends on where you are, but I feel fortunate that it doesn’t happen all the time, and I can live my life. I know actors who can’t do anything; they go out, and people swarm them. So, I’m lucky that I can work in this and still do my own things. I’ve had experiences where it’s very intense, like at festivals or conventions, and it’s just too much.
LBH: What’s the weirdest encounter you’ve had with a fan?
MGR: The only somewhat strange one I had was when a guy approached me and asked me to kiss his wife [laughs]. And I was like, “You want me to kiss your wife?” And they both insisted, “Please…” but I didn’t accept. But generally, people are very nice.
Sus actuales proyectos son solo el principio de una carrera que probablemente enaltezca el legado familiar.
LBH: As part of your career, you’ve had significant exposure to fashion. What has it meant to you, personally and professionally, to collaborate with or be close to ZEGNA, a brand so focused on heritage and tradition?
MGR: ZEGNA is a brand with immense class—simple in its artistry but not in its stitching. Its details are incredibly extensive and complex, crafted with amazing precision. It’s a brand that doesn’t need a visible logo to prove who it is. For me, the quality, beauty, finesse, and greatness of things lie in “less is more,” and that’s how I see ZEGNA. I’ve always believed that true quality, beauty, finesse, and greatness are found in “less is more.” And that’s how I view ZEGNA: a brand that speaks softly but leaves a powerful impression.
LBH: As part of your career, you’ve had significant exposure to fashion. What has it meant to you, personally and professionally, to collaborate with or be close to ZEGNA, a brand so focused on heritage and tradition?
MGR: ZEGNA is a brand with immense class—simple in its artistry but not in its stitching. Its details are incredibly extensive and complex, crafted with amazing precision. It’s a brand that doesn’t need a visible logo to prove who it is. For me, the quality, beauty, finesse, and greatness of things lie in “less is more,” and that’s how I see ZEGNA. I’ve always believed that true quality, beauty, finesse, and greatness are found in “less is more.” And that’s how I view ZEGNA: a brand that speaks softly but leaves a powerful impression.
LBH: And how has wearing ZEGNA influenced your style?
MGR: I feel very comfortable wearing their clothes. They have a certain quality that envelops you, that gives you confidence without needing to exaggerate. For me, it’s a true honor to collaborate with a brand like ZEGNA. There’s a very genuine connection between their identity and what I value in fashion: quality, sobriety, and that elegance that doesn’t need to be explained.
LBH: What would you say is the best advice another actor has given you, and who was it?
MGR: More than just one piece of advice, I think I learn from everyone. For example, from Benicio [Del Toro], I’ve learned so much about the intensity he brings to his characters and his attention to detail—he doesn’t let anything go. From Tom Hanks, it’s his simplicity and professionalism. He’s a guy who will sit wherever the director tells him, even on a little box, and wait there all day, and you think, “Wow!”
Once, talking on the phone with Ethan Hawke, he was walking in New York, and people started coming up to him asking for photos and things, and he just shouted, “Please, I’m talking to my friend!” Until, before he had to hang up, he told me, “Manuel, never be famous,” (laughs). Anyway, I also learned a lot from Denzel [Washington], and that’s how I’ve gone along, observing and taking the best from these incredible actors.
LBH: And how has wearing ZEGNA influenced your style?
MGR: I feel very comfortable wearing their clothes. They have a certain quality that envelops you, that gives you confidence without needing to exaggerate. For me, it’s a true honor to collaborate with a brand like ZEGNA. There’s a very genuine connection between their identity and what I value in fashion: quality, sobriety, and that elegance that doesn’t need to be explained.
LBH: What would you say is the best advice another actor has given you, and who was it?
MGR: More than just one piece of advice, I think I learn from everyone. For example, from Benicio [Del Toro], I’ve learned so much about the intensity he brings to his characters and his attention to detail—he doesn’t let anything go. From Tom Hanks, it’s his simplicity and professionalism. He’s a guy who will sit wherever the director tells him, even on a little box, and wait there all day, and you think, “Wow!”
Once, talking on the phone with Ethan Hawke, he was walking in New York, and people started coming up to him asking for photos and things, and he just shouted, “Please, I’m talking to my friend!” Until, before he had to hang up, he told me, “Manuel, never be famous,” (laughs). Anyway, I also learned a lot from Denzel [Washington], and that’s how I’ve gone along, observing and taking the best from these incredible actors.
total looks ZEGNA
DESCUBRE: A TOTAL ACE: MATTEO BERRETTINI
